Fly Guy Fish GuidesFishing Library
Fishing Library · Baitfish

Baitfish & Forage

Know what the fish are eating. Profiles of the key Northeast baitfish and forage, menhaden, sand eels, squid, mackerel and more, and how to match them.

Baitfish & Forage

Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker) Brevoortia tyrannusPeanut Bunker juvenile menhadenAtlantic (Boston) Mackerel Scomber scombrusSand Eels Ammodytes spp.Herring (Atlantic & River) Clupea harengus / Alosa spp.Silversides Menidia menidiaBay Anchovy Anchoa mitchilliButterfish Peprilus triacanthusLongfin Squid Doryteuthis pealeiiShortfin Squid Illex illecebrosusHalfbeaks Hyporhamphus spp.Ballyhoo Hemiramphus brasiliensisSea Worms sand & bloodworms
From the page to the water

Learn it here, land it out there

Reading is a great start. The fastest way to get good is a day on the water with someone who does it every day.

Book a trip with Captain Nick

Note: fishing regulations (size limits, bag limits, seasons, permits) change often. Always confirm current rules with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (saltwater), MassWildlife (freshwater), or NOAA Fisheries (offshore/HMS) before you keep a fish.